Trogons of Rajah Sikatuna Park in Bohol

[Tirso Paris]

Last week I had a chance to visit the Rajah Sikatuna National Park in Bilar, Bohol. With the help of an expert bird guide and several birding colleagues, I had the wonderful opportunity to take photographs of the Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens) which I consider one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen.

All pictures were taken using a Canon EOS 7D and EF 100-400 mm L IS USM, handheld and in natural light. Note that since I opted not to carry a tripod, some of the pictures had to be taken at high ISO to be able obtain a decent shutter speed under subdued lighting conditions in the forest.

Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
This is my very first trogon capture so it's definitely a keeper although the quality is not that great.
2012-03-09 07:51, 1/800 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 2000, 400 mm


Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-09 12:40, 1/125 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-09 12:41, 1/50 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-09 12:41, 1/50 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-09 12:42, 1/60 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-0912:42, 1/100 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
Note the lizard he is munching!
2012-03-09 12:43, 1/500 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Female
2012-03-10 09:44, 1/800 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-10 09:47, 1/125 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-10 09:48, 1/100 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1600, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-1010:11, 1/640 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 2000, 400 mm



Philippine Trogon (Harpactes ardens), Male
2012-03-1010:22, 1/500 sec, Aperture priority, F 5.6, ISO 1000, 400 mm

[Clemn A. Macasiano Jr.]

Wow ! What I have is only the back view. Now I need to plan a trip to Bohol. Beautiful and bountiful harvest Prof. Tirso

[Mark Jason Argallon]

beautiful! beautiful! beautiful! great series, prop. tirso! =D

[Michael R. Anton]

WOW!!! Fantastic captures!!!

[Ely Teehankee]

I have been there several times and never had an opportunity to be that close to the bird and take so many shots. You are truly blessed. I like the photo with the lizard on its beak, that is one in a million kind of photo. Truly catching the "moment". Well done Tirso & Mabuhay. I am happy for you.

[Mark Itol]

Nice captures of this beautiful bird, Prof. Tirso.

[Dennis Alfaro]

Beautiful set Prof.!

[Tonji Ramos]

What a set. Great job with your super 100-400, and handheld to boot. I know the light can be variable there in RS.

Good job.

[tina mallari]

Fantastic captures Prop. Tirso !!! Beautiful set you've got here.

And all these were taken without a tripod !

I've seen a lot of these photos with purposely (edited) blurred to death backgrounds that makes the photo look so unnatural/plasticky. This set of yours is the most natural looking one I have seen so far from all that I have seen just recently. Super happy for you.

I want to go to Bohol too. HEhEHehEHehHEe

[Neil Konrad III]

Amazing! love the colors! Hope I can visit Bohol soon and maybe get to see this myself.

[Tirso Paris]

Thank you all -- Clemm, Mark Jason, Michael, Ely, Mark Itol, Dennis, Tonji, Tina and Neil -- for your kind comments. The Philippine Trogon is a truly beautiful bird and Rajah Sikatuna National Park in Bohol is the place to be to photograph it. I missed some target birds like the Steere's Pita, the SKF and the Frogmouth Owl but the trogons made it worth the trip.

[Tateo Osawa]

You got a beautiful color of Trogons in the forest Tirso P, all a nice capture!!

[Tirso Paris]

Thank you very much Tateo. It was indeed a pleasure meeting you in Olango Island.

[Steve Albano]

Beautiful series!! I like the 2nd photo best!! Thanks for sharing.. .

[Tirso Paris]

Thanks too Steve. I do like the picture too.